Call it a first for Volkswagen: the 2014 Golf R Cabriolet you see here is the first time that the automaker has lopped the top off one of its high-performance R models. But the results are impressive: the Golf R Cabriolet is basically a 261-hp, 155-mph GTI with a roof made of cloth.

The VW Golf R Cabriolet is exactly like it sounds -- it's a convertible version of the VW Golf R, which is in turn a hopped-up version of the GTI hatchback. The Golf R Cabriolet uses the automaker's 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 (the EA113, for the VW fanatics at home) to produce 261 horsepower. Unlike the U.S.-market Golf R, however, the EU-market Golf R Cabriolet sends all that power and torque to the front wheels through a standard six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Those wheels, by the way, are either 18- or 19-inch "Talladega" models finished in silver of a high-gloss black.

Elsewhere around the car, and from the beltline down, it's standard Golf R fare: up front there's an R-Line-exclusive grille and front diffuser featuring LED running lights and xenon headlights. The side-view mirror casings are gloss black, as are the brake calipers and the rear diffuser.

On the inside VW fit four sport seats with R-Line logos in the headrests. All of the other leather-trimmed pieces--steering wheel, handbrake handle, and gear lever--feature gray contrast stitching that matches the brushed-aluminum pedals and silver sill plates. The only major difference from the Golf or Golf R hatchbacks is the roof: it's an insulated soft-top that folds electronically in 9.5 seconds (while the car is at rest or moving up to 18 mph) and raises in 11 seconds.Source: VW

I own a VW and love it. but with that said i have to agree that its time for VW to step up the Power ratings on their 2.0T. the golf R engine should be the new (2014) GTI Powertrain and the golf R should get 280+ hp 2.0T with AWD and the option of a DSG. just a thought i had!

Why do the the people in the EU get cars with all the go fast goodies and we do not? Do they think in the land of production 600+ HP V8 that we can not handle their 2.0l turbo I4 with 261 HP. Come on we invented the Hot Rod.

My thought is it would be hard to find a market for this car in the U.S. considering its price and the fact that it is FWD. In Europe, upscale compacts are more common, and the pricing does not seem as ludicrious.